GEAR MINI TESTS
SIGMA 15MM F/1.4 DC CONTEMPORARY £449/$579 sigmauk.com
Fast wide-angle primes have become a staple because they offer cinematic, shallow depth-of-field, strong low- light performance and a field of view that works for everything from grand establishing shots to handheld vlogging. Sigma’s original 16mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary became one of the most popular lenses in that category. The new Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary is wider, lighter and designed for compact mirrorless cameras and gimbal rigs. Mounted on the Sony A6300 used for this test, the first thing you notice is how much smaller it is than the 16mm version. No longer front-heavy, the lens- camera combination feels balanced. This focal length translates to roughly 22.5mm in full-frame terms – a sweet spot for video work. It’s wide enough for establishing shots, interiors and travel footage without introducing exaggerated distortion, and it remains natural enough for talking-to-camera shots, interviews or environmental storytelling. The f/1.4 maximum aperture really stands out. For work in available light, that extra light-gathering ability is invaluable. It also enables surprisingly strong subject separation for such a wide lens, especially when close up. Centre sharpness is excellent wide open at f/1.4, while its edge-to-edge performance is noticeably improved. Corners remain clean even at the max aperture, which is particularly important for wide establishing shots or architectural footage. Stopping down slightly increases sharpness even further. Flare resistance is also strong. Shooting into the low winter
PERFECT FIT Sigma’s new
15mm has a fast f/1.4
aperture but is a great size on APS-C cameras
sun produced only minor ghosting, with contrast staying well controlled. Sigma’s optical formula includes FLD and SLD elements beside aspherical lenses in order to maintain clarity and reduce aberrations. AF is from a stepping motor – a great choice for video. Focus acquisition is quick and accurate in good lighting, and transitions appear smooth and controlled. The system is quiet, with minimal motor noise. Focus breathing is well controlled as well, ideal for focus pulls. Another advantage for video shooters is the lens’ close focusing ability. Near the minimum focus distance, the mix of the wide focal length and f/1.4 aperture creates surprisingly strong background separation, helping subjects stand out while still maintaining a sense of environment. Build quality follows Sigma’s Contemporary design philosophy. It is a practical, solid, lightweight unit and the dust- and splash-resistant construction adds reassurance. The front element has a water- and oil- repellent coating as well. For owners of Sigma’s 16mm f/1.4, the focal length difference may appear modest. However, the significant weight reduction and improved optical performance make this a meaningful upgrade. Ultimately, the Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary is
SPECIFICATIONS
Mount: Sony E, Canon RF, Fujifilm X Image coverage: APS-C
Aperture: f/1.4-16 Aperture blades: 9
Construction: 13 elements in 11 groups with 1 FLD, 3 SLD and 3 aspherical elements Minimum focusing: 17.7cm/7in
Filter size: 58mm Dimensions (wxl): 64x64.8mm/2.5x2.6in Weight: 220g/0.49lb
light, bright and optically impressive. It turns compact APS-C cameras into flexible filmmaking tools capable of capturing everything from handheld travel footage to cinematic shots. For a fast, versatile wide prime that won’t weigh down a rig, Sigma’s 15mm may quickly become a go-to lens in the kitbag. PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 9/10 A very fast, sharp and portable wide prime at a great price that may become the new benchmark Pros: Image quality, fast aperture, great value Cons: No image stabilisation or custom buttons
PAVING THE WAY The lens is fantastic for close-ups or wide views with great control of flare
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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